Hindu farmer's killing in Pakistan sparks widespread protests and highway blockades

Islamabad (The Uttam Hindu): Another serious case of atrocities against minorities has come to light in Pakistan's Sindh province. In Badin district, an influential landowner shot and killed a young Hindu farmer over a land dispute. The deceased has been identified as Kailash Kolhi. The incident has sparked tension in the area and anger among the minority community. The accused, Sarfaraz Nizamani, is accused of killing Kailash over a minor dispute regarding the construction of a hut on his land.

Protesters Block Highway with Body, Demanding Justice

Thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest Kailash's murder. Angry protesters have placed the body on the Badin-Hyderabad National Highway and the Badin-Thar Coal Road, launching an indefinite sit-in. Hundreds of vehicles have been stranded for several hours due to the blockade created by the protesters. The protesters have made it clear that they will not relent until the main accused is arrested. The protesters include a large number of women, elderly people, and innocent children, who are demanding justice under the open sky in the bitter cold.

'This is not a protest, it is the voice of a wounded conscience'

Social activist and Chairman of Pakistan Darwar Ittehad, Shiva Kachhi, shared photos of the protest on the social media platform X, calling it historic. He said the protest, which began at 10 a.m. yesterday, has continued unabated. An emotional Kachhi declared that this wasn't just a crowd, but the voice of a wounded conscience. He said that Kailash Kolhi's only crime was being poor and marginalized. The tears of his children and the silent anguish of his widow are questioning the entire Pakistani system: Is the blood of the poor so cheap here?

Even after 24 hours of assurance, the police are empty handed

The incident occurred four days ago in Raho Kolhi village, in the Piru Lashari town area. Immediately after the murder, the victim's family protested at the Piru Lashari stop. SSP Badin assured them that the accused would be put behind bars within 24 hours. However, despite police assurances, the main accused has yet to be arrested, leaving people frustrated. Police inaction has forced them to launch another, larger-scale protest.

Political and religious organizations joined forces

According to a report in Pakistani media outlet The Nation, the protests are now garnering widespread support. Leaders and activists from several prominent political, nationalist, and religious organizations, including the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jeay Sindh Mahaz, Qaumi Awami Tehreek, and Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz, have joined the sit-in. This incident is once again raising serious questions about the safety of Hindu minorities in Sindh and the arbitrariness of the feudal system.